Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders

The Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders (MÅGI) is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of the Chamoru/CHamoru and Refaluwasch/Carolinian people of the Mariana Islands. Through cultural celebration, education, entertainment, and community engagement, we empower current and future generations to embrace their identity, strengthen community connections, and foster unity. We are equally committed to promoting health, wellness, and access to resources that enhance the quality of life for our island communities while honoring the values, traditions, and spirit of the Marianas.

 

MÅGI is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of the Chamoru/CHamoru and Refaluwasch/Carolinian people of the Mariana Islands. Through cultural celebrations, educational opportunities, health and wellness initiatives, and community engagement, we strive to empower individuals, strengthen connections, and inspire pride in our shared identity.

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Our goal is to showcase the customs, traditions, language, arts, crafts, music, dance, and cuisine of the Mariana Islands to a broad and diverse audience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our unique cultural heritage. Through festivals, performances, workshops, educational programming, and resource fairs, we create opportunities for learning, cultural exchange, and intergenerational knowledge-sharing to ensure these traditions are passed on to future generations.

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Founded on the belief that education, cultural preservation, community gathering, resource accessibility, and the sharing of our island traditions strengthen communities, MÅGI was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Our ongoing theme, "Divided by the Land, Connected by the Ocean (Man Apattåo gi Tåno', Lao Man Chetton gi Tåsi)," reflects our commitment to bringing together the Chamoru/CHamoru diaspora from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands alongside the Refaluwasch/Carolinian community, while welcoming people of all backgrounds to learn, celebrate, and build meaningful relationships.

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MÅGI also recognizes that a thriving community extends beyond cultural preservation. We are committed to promoting health and wellness by connecting community members with valuable resources, health education, social services, and organizations that support physical, mental, and social well-being. By creating spaces where culture and community intersect with access to services, we help strengthen individuals, families, and future generations.

In addition, we strive to create economic opportunities for local artists, cultural practitioners, performers, artisans, food vendors, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses by providing platforms to showcase their talents, products, and services. These opportunities not only support economic growth but also ensure the continued vitality of our cultural traditions.

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Marianas Festival serves as the cornerstone of this mission—a place where culture comes alive through music, dance, storytelling, art, food, education, wellness, and community connection. We invite Chamoru/CHamoru and Refaluwasch/Carolinian visual artists, artisans, folk artists, dancers, musicians, storytellers, traditional healers, weavers, educators, community organizations, and food vendors to join us in preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich heritage of the Mariana Islands. Together, we will continue building a vibrant, connected community while ensuring our culture, traditions, and values endure for generations to come.

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Maila Mågi! We invite you to “come here”! Come celebrate with us!

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1. Cultural Preservation: Our primary goal is to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the indigenous population across the Mariana Islands. We aim to safeguard traditional customs, practices, arts, and crafts, ensuring that they are passed down to future generations.

 

2. Community Unity: We strive to promote unity within the Mariana's community by bringing people together through cultural events and activities. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared cultural identity, we aim to strengthen community bonds and promote a spirit of cooperation and collaboration.

 

3. Education and Awareness: We aim to educate both the local community and a wider audience about the rich culture of Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Caroline. Through workshops, performances, and educational programs, we provide opportunities for learning and understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation of our cultural heritage.

 

4. Empowerment: We believe in empowering individuals within the Mariana's community by providing platforms for showcasing their talents and skills. We aim to support local artisans, performers, and businesses, creating economic opportunities and promoting self-expression and entrepreneurship.

 

5. Cultural Exchange: We aim to facilitate cultural exchange between the Mariana Islands and other communities. By collaborating with other cultural organizations and participating in intercultural events, we seek to share our traditions and learn from others, fostering a global understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

 

6. Health and Wellness: We are committed to improving the health and well-being of our community by promoting access to health education, wellness programs, and community resources. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies, we strive to address physical, mental, and social well-being while reducing barriers to essential services and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

 

These goals collectively drive our efforts to celebrate, promote, and preserve the cultural heritage of the Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Caroline across across the Marianas Islands. We welcome you to join in our efforts through sponsorship, volunteering or participation. Maila' Mågi!

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